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First mainstream free school given go-ahead for Worcestershire

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Karl Hunderson wrote:

New Kid on the Block wrote:

Karl Hunderson wrote:
So is this basically a failed private business opting to take taxpayers' money in order to save itself? I am sure the existing schools in Kidderminster would like to have some of the money being pumped into what is essentially a Michael Gove vanity project.

Where does it say anything about this being a failing school?
Taking earlier comments into account it appears that a highly regarded school is moving from the private sector to the public one.
The availability of places at a highly thought of school may well be welcomed by parents of potential pupils who had previously been unable to afford the fees.

It doesn't say which is why I asked the question. Just why would a financially viable and academically successful school choose to become a free school? Surely it's naive to think it will be for the benefit of all local children. Gove's free school idea was intended to appease pushy know-it-all parents but has provided a perfect get out clause for private businesses, which although already subsidised by the state through their charitable status, are no longer financially viable. It is worth remembering also that the only source of income for the existing state schools is based on student numbers. The possible loss of up to 688 students could prove to be financially disastrous for these schools. Free schools may benefit a few but, whilst penalising the majority, they are simply unfair.

the only person to suggest that this is or may be a failing school is Mr Hunderson all the other comments seem to point to it being a good school.
Talk of a possible loss of 688 students is scaremongering. The school is not seeking to expand by 688 places. It may take different pupils but it won't take more.
Why should independent schools not have a charitable status? Any money paid in fees has already been taxed once, also the parents will have paid a tax contribution towards state education. How many times do you want them to pay? Isn't twice enough? There are many state schools that have charitable status are you suggesting that this should be removed?
P.s. I was state educated in case you are wondering. Fortunately the state school I attended from primary onwards were very good. I understand parents wanting the best for their children and unlike some people I would not seek to prevent them from spending their own money on education."

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THE first mainstream free school will be created in Worcestershire this September after Holy Trinity International school was given the go-ahead by the Department for Education.

The school in Kidderminster is currently an independent day school and nursery for girls and boys from 0 to 18.

From September, it will become Holy Trinity School, offering an all age (4-18) school initially with up to 454 pupils. That number is predicted to grow over a five year period to 688 by the school year 2018-19.

The decision to allow Holy Trinity School, in Birmingham Road, to become a free school was announced by Nicola Reeve, chair of governors of the Holy Trinity School Academy Trust, and the school's headteacher Pamela Leek-Wright.

Mrs Leek-Wright said: "This is brilliant news.

“We have been working hard on our plans for over two years and we are very pleased to be able to tell everyone that we will be opening our doors in September to a large number of new pupils.

"Holy Trinity School has been in existence for over 110 years and its long tradition of academic excellence and pastoral care will now be accessible to the whole community free of charge.”

The school will be run by the Holy Trinity School Academy Trust, a body completely separate from the Trust which runs the current school.

The move has been made possible after the Department for Education agreed to enter into a free school funding agreement.

The school has indicated it will continue to offer a strong emphasis on high expectations for all pupils and on academic rigour.

It is the second free school to be created in Worcestershire after ContinU Plus Alternative Provision School, also in Kidderminster, was given the go-ahead last September.

ContinU Plus Academy offers a curriculum to pupils who may be at risk of exclusion, disengaged or needing a targeted pathway.

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